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How to Frame a Canvas

by Framebridge Editorial
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May 23, 2019
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3 min read

A framed canvas can be one of the most unique pieces on your wall—whether it’s a painting or a print. The process may seem daunting, but we make it easy whether you are framing a stretched canvas (already on wooden stretcher bars) or an unstretched canvas. It’s a little different from how we frame other types of art so we thought we’d break it down here.

What You’ll Need to Frame a Canvas

Spoiler: not much. You’ll just need your stretched or unstretched canvas (obviously), a tape measure, level and a hammer (eventually).

If your canvas is already stretched (up to 1.5” deep), we’ll frame it as is with about ¼” gap to reveal the sides.

If it’s unstretched, we’ll stretch it around ¾” deep natural wood stretcher bars before framing it.

Either way, we’ll include all the hardware you’ll need to hang your piece.

We frame every canvas with a 1/4" gap between the frame and the actual canvas.

1) Measure Your Canvas

What size is your canvas? Measure the approximate width and height in inches. This will help us determine a clear price up front. Don’t worry too much about getting it exactly right—our design experts will measure it precisely before framing.

2) Choose a Frame that Looks Great with Your Canvas

Our Valencia canvas frame

We have several frames that are specifically designed to accommodate canvases, from modern black and white to classic gold and silver.

3) Send Us Your Canvas

When you’ve selected your frame, let us know whether you’d like us to send you prepaid packaging, which includes everything you need to send it safely and securely.

We’ll provide a box for stretched canvas or a tube for you to ship rolled, unstretched canvas.

You can also use your own packaging and we’ll provide a prepaid shipping label. Go ahead and place your order, pack your art and ship it to us!

4) Hang Your New Canvas Frame!

Once we receive your art, it will take us 3-5 days to build your frame in our Kentucky studio. We’ll send your framed canvas right to your door, ready with hanger wire or sawtooth hangers installed and nails included. All you need is a level and a hammer. Prepare for the compliments.

Our Palermo canvas frame

Have a canvas piece you’ve been meaning to frame? Let’s get started.

Frame Your Canvas

“Perfection! 2 canvas paintings stretched and framed. Gorgeous and such an easy process.”

—Mary S.